Personality words fill TOEIC job ads, performance reviews, and reference letters, and they often carry the whole meaning of a sentence. Learn the meaning, see it in a sentence, then test yourself.
The words
punctual adjective Arriving at the right time.Please be punctual for the interview. reliable adjective Able to be trusted to do what is needed.He is reliable and has never missed a deadline. outgoing adjective Friendly and comfortable meeting new people.Sales work suits outgoing people who enjoy meeting strangers. reluctant adjective Not willing to do something.Staff were reluctant to work weekends without extra pay. enthusiastic adjective Showing strong interest and excitement.The whole team was enthusiastic about the new project. generous adjective Willing to give more than expected.The company is generous with its vacation time. optimistic adjective Expecting good things to happen.Managers are optimistic about next quarter's results. grateful adjective Feeling thankful for something.We are grateful for your patience during the delay. ambitious adjective Strongly wanting success.She is ambitious and hopes to lead the department. confidence noun Belief in your own ability.Practice gave him confidence before the presentation. motivation noun The reason or desire that makes you act.Good pay is not the only motivation. encourage verb To give someone support or hope to do something.Managers encourage staff to ask questions.
Memory trick
reluctant is the odd one out — the only negative word in this group. When a sentence hints at a complaint, expect the negative choice.
Flip to review
Tap a card to see how it's used.
Arriving at the right time Please be punctual for the interview.
Able to be trusted to do what is needed He is reliable and has never missed a deadline.
Friendly and comfortable meeting new people Sales work suits outgoing people who enjoy meeting strangers.
Not willing to do something Staff were reluctant to work weekends without extra pay.
Showing strong interest and excitement The whole team was enthusiastic about the new project.
Willing to give more than expected The company is generous with its vacation time.
Expecting good things to happen Managers are optimistic about next quarter's results.
Feeling thankful for something We are grateful for your patience during the delay.
Strongly wanting success She is ambitious and hopes to lead the department.
Belief in your own ability Practice gave him confidence before the presentation.
The reason or desire that makes you act Good pay is not the only motivation.
To give someone support or hope to do something Managers encourage staff to ask questions.
Test yourself
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